What important, immediate postoperative care practice should the nurse remember when caring for a woman who has had a mastectomy?
Venipuncture for blood work should be performed on the affected arm.
The blood pressure (BP) cuff should not be applied to the affected arm.
The affected arm should be held down close to the woman's side.
The affected arm should be used for intravenous (IV) therapy.
The affected arm should be used for intravenous (IV) therapy.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because venipuncture for blood work should be avoided on the affected arm. The mastectomy may have involved the removal of lymph nodes, which can impair the lymphatic drainage and increase the risk of lymphedema (swelling) in the arm. Venipuncture can cause further damage or infection to the arm.
Choice B reason: This is correct because the BP cuff should not be applied to the affected arm. The BP cuff can exert pressure on the arm and interfere with the blood and lymph flow. This can also increase the risk of lymphedema or pain in the arm.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the affected arm should not be held down close to the woman's side. The woman should be encouraged to elevate the arm above the level of the heart and perform gentle exercises to promote circulation and prevent stiffness. The arm should not be immobilized or restricted.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the affected arm should not be used for IV therapy. IV therapy can introduce fluids or medications into the arm that can affect the blood and lymph flow. It can also cause irritation or infection to the arm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is characterized by a progressive decline of the immune system, leading to opportunistic infections and cancers. It does not have recurrent episodes, but rather a chronic and incurable course.
Choice B reason: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes. It is characterized by a primary infection followed by recurrent episodes of painful blisters and ulcers in the genital area. The virus remains latent in the nerve cells and can reactivate periodically or in response to triggers such as stress, illness, or menstruation.
Choice C reason: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts and cervical cancer. It is characterized by a persistent infection that may or may not produce symptoms. It does not have recurrent episodes, but rather a variable and unpredictable course.
Choice D reason: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a viral sexually transmitted infection that causes mild or asymptomatic infections in healthy adults. It is characterized by a latent infection that can reactivate in immunocompromised individuals, causing serious complications such as retinitis, pneumonia, or encephalitis. It does not have recurrent episodes, but rather a dormant and opportunistic course.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Biophysical profile is a test that assesses the fetal well-being by measuring five parameters: fetal breathing movements, fetal movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart rate. It does not predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Choice B reason: Lecithin/sphingomyelin [L/S] ratio is a test that measures the amount of two phospholipids in the amniotic fluid. It is used to evaluate the fetal lung maturity and the risk of respiratory distress syndrome. It does not predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Choice C reason: Type and crossmatch of maternal and fetal serum is a test that determines the blood type and Rh factor of the mother and the fetus. It is used to identify the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn due to Rh incompatibility. It does not predict chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
Choice D reason: Multiple-marker screening is a test that measures the levels of four substances in the maternal serum: alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol, and inhibin A. It is used to estimate the risk of Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects in the fetus.
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